Smithers has a new provincial champion.
Madison Richter returned from Chilliwack last week after winning the bantam girl’s five-pin provincial championship.
“She did amazing,” her coach, Cynhia Bergen said.
“Most of us adults wish we could bowl that well.
“For a little town like Smithers, this is huge.”
Over the five-game final, Richter tallied 1089 points – a new provincial record – en route to her decisive victory that saw her defeat the next closest bowler by more than 100 points.
Her score was higher than quite a few of the junior and senior bowlers at the competition, as well.
Her father Greg, who also coaches Madison, was impressed.
“I was really proud,” Greg said. “Excited, proud and happy. She bowled an unbelievable last game.”
Now, Richter will travel to Winnipeg for nationals in May.
Though the emphasis at nationals will be on having fun and enjoying the experience, her coach says.
“She is a very competitive person, so I am sure she is going to go there to try and win. She thrives under pressure, so I am sure she will do well,” Bergen said.
In the lead-up to nationals, Richter will continue to attend her usual practices and leagues, but she’ll also start competing against juniors and seniors during their league on Thursday afternoons.
“As for her future, the sky is the limit.
“She can go as far as she wants to as a bowler,” Bergen said.